RACE REPORT

The Lusk 4 Mile was another huge success today. The unique and very traditional distance makes it a must run event in the Dublin race calendar. The event is hosted by Lusk AC who have developed rapidly over the last number of years. They have become very much part of the community and integral to contributing to athletics in the local area and Dublin. 

You can easily see why they have become so popular as a club with over 700 members (350 kids and 350 adults) 

This event mirrored what they do internally. As a participant you could not ask for more. It ticks all the boxes. Huge efforts were made on focusing on the participants. The kids races started the day off and what fun and excitement we had. Children from under 8 to 16 ran in the green area that consisted of 400m loops. It was a great spectacle for onlookers. The kids races provided great family fun and entertainment. 

The main 4 mile was next up with over 630 runners registered. It attracted all types of runners, walkers and joggers. Both the men's and women's races were stacked with some fine runners. Right from the gun Efrem Gidey from Clonliffe Harriers took the race by the scruff of the neck. At half way we could see he was well on his way to a course record. The beauty about the course is the 2 loops that allows spectators to see the runners not just at the start and finish but also at the halfway point.  Everything is closely located and well contained making it spectator friendly. 

As Efrem pushed his advantage even further through the 2nd half of the race there was a great battle for 2nd and 3rd place. Rory O'Connor of North Cork AC and Sean Doran also of Clonliffe Harriers were running toe to toe against each other. Efrem romped home and shredded the current course record in a time of 18:27. This was a week of course records as we have had 5 course records over the last 2 weeks in both men's and women's races. Rory finally managed to make 2nd his own later in the race with Sean Doran 3rd. 

The women's race was also dominated by 1 athlete and that was Fionna Mckenna of UCD AC. Fiona ran an impressive 21:43. This was also another course record that was smashed. 

Just like the men's race we had a great battle for 2nd and 3rd with 2 fine and well known athletes Edel Gafney of Trim AC and Michelle Cox of Newbridge AC. Edel, who has been running very well and consistently took 2nd place with Michelle 3rd. 

The weather conditions were incredible with bright sunshine and very little wind. This just added to the excitement and overall feel good atmosphere. Lusk AC must be given top marks and huge credit for what can be simply termed Brilliant.